Mannington Mills recognizes talented Salem County high school students in annual 'Art is Cool' competition

Staff photo by Britney LillyaMannington Mills' Chairman of the Board Keith Campbell, right, congratulates 11th grade student Ian Moore of Salem High School for winning first and second place with his pieces titled "Janet" and "Me & the Man I Will Become" during the Art is Cool reception held Wednesday evening at Mannington Mills' corporate headquarters. The Salem County-based flooring manufacturer sponsored the contest.

MANNINGTON TWP. -- In a time where art programs throughout the country are being cut from schools, students in Salem County were encouraged to create art as they participated in the 6th Annual Art is Cool event here Wednesday.

"We are in a day and age in education where the school systems de-emphasize art programs because of the budget. We try to turn this around and show art is important," said Keith Campbell, chairman of the board of Mannington Mills.

Mannington Mills is the event sponsor which received 164 submissions this year from Arthur P. Schalick High School, Penns Grove High School, Pennsville Memorial High School, Salem High School and Woodstown High School.

Students from grades 9-12 participated from each school where there were two winners chosen from each grade level.

"This was a way we could work with the schools in a positive fashion," said Campbell.
The flooring company's commercial division headquarters in Calhoun, Ga., also has a similar program through schools in Gordon County, Ga.

"They have been doing it a couple years longer than us. We were definitely inspired with their connection with the community and students in the local schools," said Betsy Amoroso, director of corporate communications at Mannington.

There was a variety art of filling the corporate headquarters of Mannington Mills which was turned into an art gallery for the reception for the student artists, their parents and school officials. Art varied from acrylics and watercolors to self portraits and flowers.

Ian Moore, an 11th grader from Salem High School, took both first and second place for his grade level. His first place finish, "Janet," was a drawing of the famous singer Janet Jackson.

His second place finish, "Me & the Man I Will Become," was an inspirational painting which featured half of his face and half of the face of President Barack Obama.
"I decided to paint myself and someone I admire. So I painted half me and half Obama because I want to be like him," said Moore.

Katie Kuhn received first place in the 12th grade division at Pennsville Memorial High School for her "Black & White Giraffe" which she did using a scratchboard.

"I decided to draw a giraffe because I think they are pretty interesting. They have different colors and a nice structure," said Kuhn.

Roughly midway through the reception, Campbell called everyone's attention to hand out certificates and gift cards to the winners.

It was at this time, he announced Jodee Gamel's portrait received the Best of Show award. Gamel is a senior at Woodstown High School who plans to attend Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia this fall to study fine arts with a concentration in two-dimension design.

"My goal this year was to win Best in Show. Last year was my first year and I didn't know about the grand prize until the girl won it. So I tried to win it and I did," said Gamel.

Campbell said the Art is Cool competition was a great opportunity for the company to recognize talented youth in the community and it has grown tremendously over the years.

"Personally, I think the students need to be encouraged to do art and awarded for their ability and participation," said Campbell.